Regardless of the mode of delivery, represent a guide to the
relative teaching time and student effort required to
successfully achieve a particular competency/module. This may
include not only scheduled classes or workplace visits but also
the amount of effort required to undertake, evaluate and
complete all assessment requirements, including any
non-classroom activities.

Pre-requisites and Co-requisites

None

Course Description

This unit of competency specifies the outcomes required to apply structural and construction technology to the design of commercial buildings. It requires compliance with state legislation and the provisions for BCA Classes 2 to 9 and relevant Australian Standards as they apply to the structural and construction components of a commercial building.

National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria

National Element Code & Title:

VPAU584 Apply structural and construction technology to the design of commercial buildings

Element:

1. Apply the regulatory requirements for the design of commercial buildings

Performance Criteria:

1.1 Relevant state legislation impacting on design and construction is investigated and interpreted for a commercial building.

1.2 Relevant sections of the Building Code of Australia (BCA) and Australian Standards are researched and applied to the structural and construction principles of commercial buildings.

1.3 Local government planning and construction regulations are investigated and interpreted for the design and construction of a commercial building.

Element:

2. Investigate site

Performance Criteria:

2.1 Site features and available services are identified to plan site preparation to inform the design intent and for preparation of documentation.

2.3 Environmental issues impacting on the site are identified and controlled according to regulatory requirements.

Element:

3 Analyse and apply construction techniques and/or methodologies

Performance Criteria:

3.1 Structural systems are analysed and construction methodologies are applied to solve construction system and design issues.

3.2 Structural principles are integrated into the building fabric to accommodate materials and finishes, according
to relevant standards and design intent.

3.3 Alternative approaches to the construction of commercial buildings are considered to accommodate special conditions and in accordance with relevant standards and design intent.

3.4 Scope of work and performance requirements are determined and documented according to project requirements.

Element:

4. Specify structural requirements

Performance Criteria:

4.1 Timber wall, floor and roof framing systems are designed and detailed in accordance with timber framing code and with consultation with engineer if required.

4.2 Bracing and tie-down system is designed and detailed to meet structural requirements.

4.3 Steel framing systems are identified and detailed in accordance with construction practices.

4.4 Framing requirements, including all fixings and materials are specified and details documented.

4.5 Unreinforced and reinforced masonry systems are identified and detailed for the construction of internal and external walls in compliance with the Building Code of Australia (BCA) and relevant Australian Standards.

4.6 Details of weatherproofing are indicated to meet relevant Australian Standards.

Element:

5. Comply with fire resistance requirements

Performance Criteria:

5.1 Building is designed to maintain structural stability and provide safeguards in the event of fire.

5.2 Specifications for building design comply with statutory requirements for fire separation and Deemed-to-Satisfy (DTS) provisions of the Building Code of Australia (BCA).

Element:

6. Specify requirements for safety, health and amenity

Performance Criteria:

6.1 Wet area materials and sealing of wall and flooring junctions are specified and details documented.

6.2 Facilities and room heights are designed and documented in accordance with the Building Code of Australia (BCA) and relevant Australian Standards.

6.3 Opportunities for natural light and ventilation are considered and mechanical air handling systems for heating, cooling and ventilation are selected on the basis of efficiency and performance.

6.4 Sound insulation materials are selected for sound transmission for walls and penetrations and in accordance with the Building Code of Australia (BCA) and relevant Australian Standards.

6.5 The provisions for safe movement and access are designed in accordance with the Building Code of Australia (BCA) and relevant Australian Standards.

7.1 Details for claddings, linings, finishes and coatings are specified in accordance with the Building Code of Australia (BCA) and relevant Australian Standards.

7.2 Joinery fabrication and installations are selected and details of materials and finishes are documented.

7.3 Provisions for the installation and connection of services are specified in accordance with the Building Code of Australia (BCA) and relevant Australian Standards.

Learning Outcomes

This unit of competency supports the attainment of the skills and knowledge required for building designers to apply structural and construction technology to the design of commercial buildings and includes compliance with current legal responsibilities of building designers for construction methods.

Details of Learning Activities

Learning activities will take place in a studio, workshop or classroom using industry standard tools and resources. You will complete exercises and industry style projects. You will also be required to undertake independent study.

Please note: While your teacher will cover all the material in this schedule, the weekly order is subject to change depending on class needs and availability of speakers and resources.

For detailed outline of the teaching schedule and course structure and current updates, you are advised to also refer to myRMIT.

Learning Resources

Prescribed Texts

References

Other Resources

RMIT will provide you with resources and tools for learning in this course through our online systems and access to specialised facilities and relevant software. You will also have access of the library resources.

Overview of Assessment

This unit of competency could be assessed in the workplace or a close simulation of the workplace environment, provided that simulated or project-based assessment techniques fully replicate design drafting workplace conditions, materials, activities, responsibilities and procedures. Holistic or project-based assessment with other related units is recommended.

A person who demonstrates competency in this unit must be able to provide evidence of the ability to: • comply with legislative requirements applicable to the design of commercial buildings • apply the principles of structural and construction to the design of commercial buildings in compliance with the applicable local government authority, relevant legislation and the Building Code of Australia (BCA) • develop specifications for structural components of a commercial building.

Assessment Tasks

Feedback throughout the course may be written, verbal or a combination of both

Assessment Matrix

An assessment matrix demonstrating alignment of assessment tasks with the relevant Unit of Competency is available from the course contact person (stated above).

Academic Progress:
At the end of each academic period individual student progress will be reviewed by the Student Academic Progress Review Committee and students will be advised of their eligibility for progression.

Student Charter:
The Student Charter, in association with the University’s statutes and law, indicates what the University and its students can expect from each other. The University’s mission is to create and disseminate knowledge to meet the needs of industry and the community and to foster in students the skills and passion to contribute to and engage with the world. http://www.rmit.edu.au/about/studentcharter

Student Responsibilities: In undertaking this course students are required to be responsible for:
•The time management of the course work in order to complete all work requirements satisfactorily and on time.
•RMIT encourages students to attend all scheduled classes to optimise academic success.
•To ascertain what content or assessment has been missed, and gather the information prior to next class.
•To be proactive in mastering the academic material of the course by challenging, questioning and extending course outcomes.
•To be responsible for the maintenance of a non-disruptive and scholastic attitude in the learning environment.
See RMIT Academic progress information, responsibilities and support for current students: http://www.rmit.edu.au/browse;ID=nzasms4pljer

Employability skills: Employability skills describe non-technical skills and competencies that are an important part of effective and successful participation in the workplace.
The following Employability Skills are an inherent part of this course:
Communication, Teamwork, Problem solving, Initiative and enterprise, Planning and organising, Self management, Learning and Technology.